Each week two artists from different backgrounds are paired together and given two weeks to absorb each other's genres, discover the differences and uncover the similarities with what they already know, after which they have to create a new artwork or performance.
South Africa is a land of talent, with world-class artists, chefs, designers, writers, actors, poets and musicians. In every field there are sub-cultures: classical and kwaito, portrait art and comic art, Cape Malay and Haute Cuisine. And in each different creative field there are up and-coming youngsters trying new ideas, and veterans ready to share on a wealth of experience.
The show highlights the similarities between the artists, and how their craft can let them overcome their differences. The emphasis is on learning, not alienation. The show doesn't judge one artist as better or worse – and even though the artists will be asked to leave their creative comfort zones, the work that they create will never be demeaned.
The artists may be different ages and come from different backgrounds, the passion that they share unites them to their art, and to each other. In this way, Switch builds bridges between different traditions, exposing artists and audiences to new ideas, and allows different cultures to influence and inspire each other.
Artists featured range from chefs, designers, writers, actors, dancers, musicians to poets. The typical show format is a collaboration between a young, upcoming artist and a veteran artist to share wisdom and ideas to ensure that the artists learn from each other.
Diary-style interviews with the artists let them talk candidly about the process, what they are learning and about each other. The show is presented in various languages such as isiXhosa, isiZulu and English to represent the diversity of our country.
| CHANNEL |
eExtra (OpenView HD 105 / DStv 195) |
| PREMIERE |
1 November 2017 |
| TIMESLOT |
Wednesdays, 21h00 |
| REPEATS |
Thursdays, 00h15 |